A CALL TO HEAVENLY-MINDED LIVING FROM COLOSSIANS 3:1-4 COLOSSIANS 3:1–4 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The epistle to the Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, was addressed to the Christian community in the city of Colossae—a small but significant city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). This letter was composed during Paul’s imprisonment (most likely in Rome), and it aims to combat heretical teachings that were infiltrating the church. These false teachings appear to be a combination of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mysticism. They promoted strict ascetic practices, emphasized the worship of angels, and taught that secret kno...